Bill Bratton Named NYPD Commissioner [VIDEO]

New York mayor-elect Bill de Blasiotoday (December 5) announced Bill Bratton as the New York Police Department’s new commissioner. The hire marks a homecoming of sorts for the decorated law enforcement official, who once served as NYPD’s top cop under former mayor Rudy Giuliani.

A press conference held this morning at the Red Hook Justice Community Center, with de Blasio flanked by his new hire before yielding the podium to him after brief remarks.

“Bill Bratton is a proven crime-fighter,” de Blasio said regarding Bratton. “He knows what it takes to keep a city safe, and make communities full partners in the mission.”

Bratton, 66, is a grizzled veteran that many say was responsible for lowering the high crime and murder rate as part of the Giulani administration. There is some mild controversy regarding the hire however, considering de Blasio’s public criticism of the NYPD’s controversial “stop and frisk” policy. While serving as the Los Angeles police chief between 2002 and 2009, Bratton expanded the use of the tactic but had much more success in stopping crime than Commissioner Kelly has.

During the press conference, Bratton jabbed at the outgoing commissioner by addressing a need to repair the tense relationship between the NYPD and New York’s racially diverse communities.

“That can happen and it will happen in New York City,” he said. “That is my commitment to this mayor. I love this profession, and I love this city.”

Bratton also authored an autobiography, Turnaround: How America’s Top Cop Reversed the Crime Epidemic. He is also a noted consultant and lecturer in law enforcement circles.

Hit the jump to see Bill Bratton address the press and speak about his aims as NYPD commissioner.